TDEE Calculator for Weight Loss: Custom Deficit Plan
Use your TDEE to build a personalized calorie deficit plan. Learn how to calculate TDEE, choose the right deficit, and lose weight sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories below my TDEE should I eat to lose weight?
A deficit of 500 calories per day below your TDEE is the standard starting point for most healthy adults, producing roughly 0.5 kg (1 lb) of fat loss per week. Aggressive cuts of 750–1,000 kcal/day are safe short-term but increase the risk of muscle loss and metabolic adaptation over time.
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the calories your body burns at complete rest — breathing, circulation, and basic cell maintenance. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) is your BMR multiplied by an activity factor, representing the total calories you actually burn each day including all movement and exercise.
How accurate is a TDEE calculator?
TDEE calculators using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation are accurate within roughly ±10% for most healthy adults. Real-world TDEE varies based on body composition, sleep quality, stress, and hormonal status. Treat your calculated TDEE as a starting estimate and refine it using 2–3 weeks of real tracking data.
How often should I recalculate my TDEE?
Recalculate every 4–6 weeks or whenever your weight shifts by more than 2–3 kg. As you lose fat and lean mass, your BMR decreases — and so does your TDEE. Failing to recalculate is the most common reason weight loss plateaus even when you appear to be eating at a deficit.
Is it safe to eat below my BMR?
No. Your BMR represents the minimum calories your vital organs need to function. Eating below it consistently risks nutrient deficiencies, muscle catabolism, hormonal disruption, and significant metabolic slowdown. Healthcare guidelines set safe minimums at 1,200 kcal/day for women and 1,500 kcal/day for men, regardless of how large your calculated TDEE is.